The first of two biplane features showcasing the excellent 1/72 models of Rob Ronconi, in this case an Avro 504K landplane and Avro 504L floatplane in Japanese Imperial Navy Service, built from the Kovozavody Prostejov (KP) kits KPM72461 and KPM0464 respectively. KP72461 'Japanese Users' provides options for three Japanese operated aircraft, two IJN including カ-463 in overall silver dope and the khaki drab aircraft modelled by Rob, together with one candy striped civilian aircraft 'J-TOWC'.
The landplane model represents an aircraft imported to Japan with Lord Sempill's British Air Mission in 1921 and operated at the Kasumigaura airfield which was to become the Naval Aviation Technical Training Institute. The floatplane represents 'R-613' reportedly of Kasumigaura Ku (although not so sure about that). It is often reported that the 20 Avro 504K and 10 504L aircraft were taken to Japan as part of the 1921 so-called Sempill mission from UK. Whilst that is true the aircraft had in fact been ordered by the IJN prior to that mission being established.
Through the Japanese Naval Attaché Lt Cdr Soemu Toyoda in London an official request had been made for Royal Navy assistance to the IJN to be officially sponsored by the British government. After discussion the request was ultimately regretfully refused. The Admiralty were opposed to the idea on the grounds that the IJN could become a rival, if not a threat, to British interests in the Far East, in contrast to the Air Ministry and Foreign Office. The Air Ministry was relaxed about British aircraft manufacturers selling their latest designs provided RAF specifications were not revealed. This laissé faire approach was founded in a contempt for Japanese potential in aviation development and pilot ability - 'It will therefore be a comparatively simple task to keep our lead over the Japanese in aerial matters.' The Foreign Office position was in support of export opportunities.
The Japanese then requested unofficial assistance from an appropriate organiser and Colonel Sir William Frances Forbes-Sempill AFC, Baron, the Master of Sempill, was nominated. His terms of reference were agreed with the Japanese and in February 1921 he organised the mission with further provision of aircraft including 50 Gloster Sparrowhawk fighters (a further 40 being assembled at Yokosuka). The mission consisting of 27 ex-naval aviation personnel arrived at Yokohama, Japan in April 1921. In addition 113 British manufactured aircraft of 17 types, seven engines, bombs, torpedoes and wireless equipment were introduced to the IJN.
In addition to instruction and engineering support for the IJN the mission endorsed the acquisition of further aircraft types on behalf of British aircraft manufacturers. Vickers and Short Brothers sent teams to Mitsubishi and Yokosuka consisting of a designer, engineers and a test pilot. Between 1921 and 1931 33% of the 2,000 IJN aircraft manufactured in Japan were from British licences and another third from Mitsubishi adoption of British designs.
The Avro trainers proved so successful that the IJN decided to adopt them as standard trainers and successfully obtained licenced production in Japan. IJN personnel were sent to Avro in Britain to familiarise themselves with production and examples of the aircraft were provided to Nakajima and Aichi, who from 1922 to 1924 produced respectively 250 and 30, the latter being the twin float seaplane version.
With special thanks to Rob for sharing these images of his superb models and equally excellent photography. Note the turnbuckles for the rigging!
References
Ferris, John, 'Armaments and Allies' in The Anglo-Japanese Alliance 1902-1922', Phillips Payson O'Brien editor, RoutledgeCurzon 2004
Mikesh, Robert C & Abe, Shorzoe, 'Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941', Putnam, 1990
Mikesh, Robert C & Abe, Shorzoe, 'Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941', Putnam, 1990
Further Reading on Sempill
Hardie, Alex, 'Sempill, Japan, and Pearl Harbor: Traitor or Spy-Myth?' Online article:- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08850607.2022.2081048#abstract
